The Asian outlook is growing exponentially. Some of the clearest examples are HolyCrit or the recent Bangkok Criterium.

We had the opportunity to know the experience in this amazing country of one of the most authentic and representative riders of the fixed world scene: Paolo Bravini, a rider of Cinelli Chrome Team, great rider and certainly the right person to give us a general opinion about the event was held in the city of Bangkok.

The Paolo’s narration is accompanied by Silvia Galliani’s snapshots which always accompany him on trips around the world. A couple, a bicycle, a camera … Paolo and Silvia tell us from their perspective the Bangkok Criterium.

INTRO

Why did you decide to participate?

My presence in Bangkok Criterium was a combination of factors; I know Asia Bike (a Cinelli distributor) wanted my participation. They contacted me in early November by Federico Stanzani (our team coordinator) and asked me if I wanted to race in Asia. At first I remained silent for a few seconds, but for me it was clear that I couldn’t lose the opportunity to live an experience like this.

I honestly do not know to wait for the Bangkok Criterium, I didn’t know many Asian riders and how they race and compete, all I knew is that I wanted to do well and show my best performance to the people. For my side I can say I had a great time and I’ve discovered a fantastic reality of cycling.

THE JOURNEY

What was most striking about your trip in this amazing city?

What most caught my attention, undoubtedly, is the traffic. I live in a small town near Milan, and if this one, from my point of view, seems already very big and stressful, after having been in Bangkok, Milan now seems like a quiet farm in the middle of the Pianura Padana (he laughs …).

Bangkok is like a huge anthill. It’s crowded of people at any time of the day or night. In different the city markets you can do everything, eat, buy clothes, mobile phones, bicycles, monkeys or whatever else comes to mind … it’s amazing and crazy at the same time. As a European, I found all very fascinating, the culture that breathes in Bangkok is very different from ours. At first it’s a bit difficult, once past the first “shock” it’s fun to appreciate and learn the several differences between both cultures.

Surely something that does not leave indifferent and I will always remember are the flavors, scents, perfumes and incredible colors of this magnificent city that offers everything and that every moment may surprise you. 

WELCOME

I have to admit that the welcome was amazing!

Thai guys have treated us really well and the hospitality was very good. Sida, a guy of Asian Bike has been commissioned to come personally to the airport to pick us up and brought us to the hotel. The day after our arrival we’ve been in the KM8 store, the guys of Free Life Sport have taken care of everything, whole food issue, organizing logistic, have also led to several parties who had citywide, have rented a van with driver exclusively for us. It’s simply amazing.

I have to thank Dario, an Italian guy living in Bangkok that has made us a guide tour and who has followed the race as a real photo reporter. The truth is that he has made us feel at home, as a real friend!

The race was amazing, they have received us like real rock stars, everyone wanted to take photo or talk with us, the curiosity towards us was high, a pure curiosity, without any malice. Probably the impact of our team makes in Asia that they see us as a star but as you know we are totally the opposite, we are normal people, and we like to live and share our passion with everyone, without distinction.

From the organization side, they have done things in style. There were several races in the program: Road bike, Open and Fixed Elite for men and women. The circuit really interesting, a mix very well balanced between technical curves and fast sections allowing you to speed up. Very good security, everything was studied to the smallest details, there were many Marshalls and the dangerous points were well marked. Only a little problem, some major delays on scheduled times, but it seems to be very common in Asia.

THE RACE

The race was divided into two days, qualifies were on Saturday, where we were divided into groups of 15 riders and we rode short races. The first 15 went to the final on Sunday.

60 riders participated at the Final; all attention on the start line was for me, my new partner Faz Adhili and Germans guys of Fixedpott Team. 3, 2, 1 … go! The first part of the race was characterized by attacks of several Asian riders, from a distance Stefan Reimer and I were getting out of the group also leading us to Faz, Jan and one Thai rider. Throughout the race there was much fighting, four laps before the end we attacked, and we were Stefan, me and Faz followed in the slipstream of us because he was a tad tired.

The final sprint was crazy, the three next to each other, staring eyes, a huge adrenaline! I decided to launch the sprint, Faz wanted to do well in his first race in our team, and Stefan de Fixedpott is a specialist … to 50 meters we still remain all much matched; the finish line is getting closer. We launched the 3 in the final meters, flashes of the photographers, screams of the people … wow!

Finally, Stefan Reimer with an incredible effort won by just 10 cm. Faz was second and I third. Incredible race! Congratulation to Stefan for the victory and all friends from Bangkok who cooperated with the organization and made every effort to the Bangkok Criterium was a great success.

The Asian level is growing fast. Faz has done a fantastic second place and the first qualified Thai guy has done a fifth. I have no doubt that next year the level of local riders will be even higher and the race more spectacular, if it’s possible.

CONCLUSION

What taste do you recall after this trip?

Surely a positive vote, the impeccable organizational aspect, and media level impact has been very good. I’m sure soon we have to seriously think about a stage of Red Hook Crit in Asia!

I really liked the people and the words addressed to me after the race, I have to admit that I went to Bangkok with the desire and conviction to win, but in the end I stayed a few centimeters from a very strong rider. However a great personal victory and the satisfaction of knowing that my presence and my style bike riding will be used for inspiration for the people who came to the race and, thanks to me, many people will be motivated to improve. This message transmitted by the organization meant a lot to me … well, I think it is very nice.